Fraudsters posing as detectives from London attempted to con four Crewe residents over the weekend.

They called the residents – who live in the Sydney Road and Derrington Avenue areas – and said they were investigating fraudulent use of bank cards.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Ankers said: “The fraduster will then ask the victim to pass on details of their bank cards – or worse still – ask them to post their bankcards on to a specified address.

“Happily, those targeted this weekend had the presence of mind to realise that this was a criminal ‘scamming’ attempt and contacted us to report the matter.”

Police say they are clamping down on those who attempt to commit this type of crime.

DCI Ankers added: “We work closely with Action Fraud who investigate this type of scam that takes place all over the country – it is rarely geographically focused. Just last month officers in Crewe arrested a fraudster who had conducted a similar scam. He was found in possession of nearly £10,000 cash and was subsequently charged with fraud.”

Inspector Christian Watkins is keen to protect residents from this type of offence. He said: “The advice from Cheshire police is simple – a legitimate bank or financial institution, or indeed ourselves, will never ask for banking or card details on the phone or via email and will never demand your PIN numbers or password.

“Should you receive a call of this nature, do not pass on any details and report it to Action Fraud. If the suspect is physically nearby or your safety is compromised – phone your local police. This type of offence is preventable – do not disclose your details and prevent yourself becoming a victim.”